What You Need to Know About Work-from-Home Data Entry Jobs

Over a decade ago, I decided to move abroad for new adventures and opportunities. However, I was uncertain about my future and financial security. As I was waiting on immigration paperwork to find legal employment, I realized that I needed something to pay my bills. So, I turned to freelance work and online opportunities. It was then that I discovered a whole new world and work-from-home data entry jobs. Here’s what you need to know to help you find the best opportunities for you.

Types of Work-from-Home Data Entry Jobs

While there are many different types of data entry positions, they all involve putting information into digital format via typing, transcribing, and other means. This can be done through keyboard entry, voice transcription, or using a touch screen with a digital pen. And, the best part is that you can do many of these jobs from home.

Here are a few of the most common types of data entry positions out there:

• Clerk: If you take a job as a clerk, you will be responsible for inputting information into a database or computer system. This often includes transcribing things from paper and audio files or data from scanned images.
• Keyer: A keyer is a specialized clerk who mostly deals with alphanumeric data. So if you accept one of these positions, you will be inputting numbers and technical data from hard copies into the designated database.
• Transcriptionist:  This position focuses on transcribing audio or video files to text. The content may cover anything from notes from meetings, lectures, and interviews to podcasts and videos.
• Typist: A typist’s job centers around using a word processor. Therefore, you must have strong typing skills and be able to handle large volumes of information. In most cases, this means typing notes, correspondences, and reports.

Job Requirements for Work-from-Home Data Entry Jobs

Although more people are interested in remote positions, there are also many more employment opportunities available than when I first began. But, keep in mind that you are now competing with candidates on a national and international scale. So, you will need to find ways to stand out.

Start by taking an honest assessment of your unique skills and abilities. Then, search for jobs specifically suited to your skill set. Requirements vary depending on the company, position, and specific tasks. While some positions need little or no experience, others require special training. However, these are some of the basic requirements you will need for any data entry job.

Home Office Equipment

All work-from-home positions will require you to have space for a home office and the appropriate equipment. Some companies provide the necessary equipment while others expect you to provide your own. Either way, you will need a reliable computer with programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and editing software as well as a strong internet connection. More specialized jobs may need additional skills.

Basic Skills

While each job will be slightly different, these are a few of the basic skills you will need for work-from-home data entry jobs.

• • Accuracy – This skill is essential for data entry positions. One mistake could lead to hours of work to correct it and additional costs to your employer.
  • Attention to Detail – Although this skill is closely related to accuracy, it applies to all aspects of the job. In addition to ensuring that you precisely enter the data, you also have to closely follow procedures.
  • Typing Speed – Most employers will expect you to be a fast typer. They may even have you take a typing test to determine how many words per minute (WPM) you can type. They need to make sure you can handle the workload. And your WPM will be a good indication of your productivity.
  • Patience – These jobs often include boring and repetitive tasks. So, you need the patience to handle the monotony and perform repetitive tasks while staying focused.

These are great skills to have for any job. But, you may also consider adding more specialized training to improve your appeal and earning potential. For example, certifications in software programs, legal, and medical transcription offer higher wages. You may also be able to ask for higher pay if you have experience in a related field.

Salary Expectations

You will find many opportunities, and they will all have different pay grades. However, it’s important to know that several are entry-level positions that pay slightly more than minimum wage. These are the current salary expectations for data entry jobs based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics for national wages in 2021.

• • Data Entry Clerk and Keyer: $17.28 an hour
  • Medical Transcriptionist: $17.94 an hour
  • Word Processor and Typist: $20.85 an hour

Remember that these are average salaries and you can earn more if you have specialized skills and experience. I have also found that maintaining a stellar professional reputation and cultivating reviews from clients also improves your rates. Better rankings mean you will be listed higher on each site. And, happy clients often bring referrals. When you are in demand, you can charge more for your labor.

Places to Find Work-from-Home Data Entry Jobs

If you are looking for work-from-home data entry jobs, these sites provide some of the best opportunities.

Upwork

This is a unique marketplace that helps connect freelance workers with businesses that are searching for support on specific contracts or projects. It has a wide variety of jobs for all types of virtual skill sets. Right now, a quick search will return with more than 2,000 available data entry positions. You can make a profile, peruse current postings, and apply for anything that matches your resume. But, carefully consider the job description, timeline, estimated man hours, and pay so it is worth your time and effort.

Fiverr

Fiverr is another freelance marketplace where people can post gigs that businesses can hire. It’s a great option since it can help you find work fast. And, it doesn’t come with any long-term commitments. It’s a good place to start building your skills and testing the waters to see what jobs are right for you.

Indeed

Indeed is one of those employment sites that collect posting from across the internet. It is more focused on helping businesses find people to fill their full and part-time positions. But, you can still browse job listings and apply for the ones you are interested in. One advantage it has over other job sites is that you have access to a wider network with more opportunities concentrated in one place.

Things to Remember When You Are Starting Out

If I am being completely honest, the first few weeks of job searching were rough. I spent hours each day looking through and bidding on everything I could. I even took jobs that didn’t pay well to establish a reputation in the community and earn good reviews. But after a few successful contracts, it improved my rankings and made things easier. And within a few weeks, people were approaching me with opportunities.

The most important thing is to find ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

• • Make a good first impression. When you are working online, first impressions are everything. Present yourself in the best light. This means maintaining an updated job resume, providing a complete list of skills, uploading examples of your work, and including recommendations from clients.
  • Don’t limit yourself to one site. You will gain more exposure to potential employers if you are listed in several places. You can also join fee-based platforms that screen job opportunities to save you time and find jobs better suited to your abilities.
  • Be aware of common scams. Like anything online, there are always people trying to take advantage of you. So, don’t share personal account information, use verified digital payment methods, and only work with reputable companies. Before you enter into a contract, do your research. And, it never hurts to ask for partial payment before you start with the rest due upon completion. These measures can save you a lot of time and trouble.

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